PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

A Gentleman's Choice

Sequel to Making Peace

Previously:

"Oh, my darling, to call you another name will be hard, but if you have changed that much and are in that much danger, I would do it; especially seeing as it appears as it seem as you have someone who has gotten through to you and a fellow far more stable than George to shield you from the world."

Thomas took his quill and parchment, penning his own coded reply back to Mr. Hurst. Mr. Bennet then gave the post to the duke who promised he knew how to get it to James.

Finding and Talking to John

Ch. 24

James, Matthew Thompson, and Lady Shaw had already discussed where Corby was and what would be needed to allow the gentleman to feel safe enough to come forward in cooperating with them. It was for that reason Mr. Hurst now stood at a similar cave opening, near a similar pool of water where they had found both Carson and Wickham.

"The vulture remains in London," James spoke into the cave's opening. "And it is being kept busy by a brown hawk."

Mr. Hurst heard faint footsteps echoing off the cave's walls, mixed with the natural dripping of water. A shadow appeared in the back and proceeded to come closer, but stopped before any details could be seen.

"John Corby?"

"Who are you?"

"James Hurst. Lady Shaw sent me. I am trying to prove Mr. Niles' corruption, but I need details and a witness to his hand in the death of Ensign George Wickham and Charles Gibson."

"He cuts the strings of any puppets if they speak or write."

James explained what they needed, what they could do to ensure the ensign's safety afterward, and who exactly he knew—good, honest men who held access to law channels and were not corrupt. "They could ensure you were safe from men like Mr. Niles."

Corby hesitated, the tension in the cave was so thick one needed a dinner knife in order to cut it. "How can I trust you?"

"I am going to take you to Mr. Brown's home," James continued. "He is a trusted ally, and I hope he is there. I have heard he knows this area well. If, for some reason, it is not safe to talk at his place, that man is sure to know of a place where we can discuss setting a trap to lure Mr. Niles away from London. We will use the fact that you have been unable to contact him because of strange threats to your life."

Corby stepped forward, his face now partially visible in the dim light. "Mr. Niles is nobility and a member of parliament, what if he finds out?"

"We will simply have to make sure that he does not," James reassured him. "Mr. Brown has turned out to be one very trusted ally. He would willingly guide us safely. Once we have the evidence, we can expose Mr. Niles without putting you at risk."

Corby nodded slowly. "Very well. Lead the way."

James and Corby began their cautious journey through the forest, the dense canopy above casting long shadows on the ground. The path was narrow and winding, in some spots, while straight as an arrow another. Sounds of the forest enveloping them; however, was their constant companion no matter how the trail bent. After a short while, they saw a figure emerging from the trees ahead.

"Mr. Brown," James called out softly. "I did not expect you this far out."

The man approached; his face somewhat drained. "Let us just say I had a not so friendly visit. However, since I was already prepared; I got away. I do not think they like what they found when they entered my home, or maybe I should say what they have not found. Now, what can I do for you." His words showed the gentleman had indeed been doing more than simply helping people kick any bad habits they had. It was a fact Mr. Hurst did not need explained; he had figured out by now Mr. Brown was into the law just as much as he was; the older gentleman had simply managed to stay in in a more specific area than Mr. Hurst.

"We need your help," James replied. "This is John Corby. We need to discuss a plan to expose Mr. Niles' corruption, but we must do it safely."

Mr. Brown nodded. "Follow me. There is a cave nearby where we can talk without being disturbed, for not even my unasked visitor knows of it."

They walked in silence, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig when an animal walk over it. None were broken by the men who were more careful as they had no desire to give off warning they were in the area. Eventually, they arrived at another cave, hidden behind a thick curtain of ivy. Mr. Brown pushed the natural growth aside and gestured for them to enter. Inside, the cave was cool and dark, with a faint light filtering in from a small opening above.

"We can talk in here without fear of interruption," Mr. Brown said, lighting a lantern to illuminate the space. "We need to make sure Mr. Niles believes you are in grave danger, Corby. That will lure him out of London and into any trap."

Corby looked around the cave, his expression a mix of fear and willingness to work with these men. "I am tired of being in hiding; I am sure there are others who have to be doing the same ones who have never been seen, or whose names have never been spoken. So, I will do whatever it takes to bring Mr. Niles down. Nervous as I may be inside."

James nodded. "We will take steps to do just that, Ensign Corby. Together, I hope to bring Mr. Niles' activities to light and make sure the same justice he claims he and others live by."

They spent the next hour meticulously planning their every step, discussing every detail to ensure Corby's safety and higher the odds of their mission succeeding. The cave, with its echoing walls and secluded location, became the birthplace of their plan to do more than simply tie a thing string around Mr. Niles wrists.